About Sinking Man
Mission & Vision: To create a transformative maritime cultural experience that celebrates art, community, and ecological regeneration through the creation of sustainable artificial reefs, fostering global awareness and action for ocean health.
Event Overview: A weeklong floating city of vessels and rafts near Bocas del Toro, Panama, featuring art installations, workshops, and a reef sinking ceremony.
History & Inspiration: Inspired by Burning Man’s spirit, Sinking Man blends radical inclusion, gifting, and ecological stewardship in a maritime context.

The 9 Principles
# | Principle | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Ecological Stewardship | Protect and restore marine ecosystems, ensuring all activities contribute positively to ocean health and biodiversity. |
2 | Community Empowerment | Engage local, indigenous, and global communities as equal partners in planning, decision-making, and benefit-sharing. |
3 | Transparency & Accountability | Operate with openness in governance, funding, and environmental impact, providing clear reporting to all stakeholders. |
4 | Collaborative Action | Foster partnerships across sectors—artists, scientists, conservationists, businesses, and authorities—to maximize positive impact. |
5 | Education & Awareness | Promote learning, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for marine conservation through workshops, art, and outreach. |
6 | Adaptive & Science-Based Management | Use the best available science and traditional knowledge to guide decisions, monitor outcomes, and adapt strategies as needed. |
7 | Precautionary Principle | Take proactive measures to prevent harm to marine environments, even when scientific certainty is incomplete. |
8 | Innovation & Creativity | Encourage artistic, technological, and social innovation in support of ecological regeneration and sustainable event practices. |
9 | Leave No Trace—Plus | Commit to leaving the marine environment better than found, with strict waste protocols and only approved, beneficial structures remaining. |
Event Details
Program Overview
- Floating community of vessels and rafts forming a temporary city.
- Temporary floating docks and barge platforms as community hubs and sponsor areas.
- Nearby land accommodations and day passes for non-boating attendees.
- Large-scale, marine-safe art installations that will be sunk as part of the reef.
- Community ceremonies, workshops on marine ecology, and sustainable boating.
- Reef sinking ceremony as the event’s grand finale.
Location & Environmental Context
Working with Panamanian authorities and conservation groups to select ecologically suitable reef sites near Bocas del Toro. Strict leave-no-trace and sustainable boating practices enforced.

FAQs
- Who can attend? Open to the general public with a target attendance in the low thousands.
- How to participate? By boat as part of a crew or on land with day passes.
- What are the safety and environmental protocols? Strict no waste dumping, boat inspections, and sustainable technology encouraged.
Crowdfunding & Presale Tickets
Support Sinking Man by purchasing presale tickets or making a donation through our Indiegogo campaign below.
Indiegogo Campaign Widget Placeholder
Why Support Sinking Man?
- Funds reef construction, community infrastructure, and local partnerships.
- Ensures a sustainable and impactful event.
- Transparent use of funds with regular updates.
Donation & Ticketing FAQ
- Non-refundable deposits to secure commitment.
- Ticket transfer policies.
- Tax-deductibility of donations.
Volunteer With Us
Help build the floating city! We need volunteers for planning, logistics, marine operations, art, sustainability, and safety.
Sponsors & Partners
We welcome partnerships with eco-conscious companies and organizations dedicated to marine conservation and sustainability.
Level | Investment | Benefits Highlights |
---|---|---|
Presenting Sponsor | $250,000+ | Naming rights, prime logo placement, exclusive event activations, VIP hospitality, media mentions |
Gold Sponsor | $100,000 | Logo on sponsor barge, branded workshops, social media campaigns, onsite presence |
Silver Sponsor | $50,000 | Logo on event materials, digital promotion, product demos in sponsor areas |
Community Sponsor | $10,000+ | Recognition in newsletters, website, and event signage |
Contact us to discuss customized sponsorship packages.
Media & Updates
Stay up to date with press releases, blog posts, and event news.








Contact & Community
Get in touch with us for general inquiries, partnerships, or media requests.